Newry police welcome sentencing of four men after horrific aggravated burglary
Detectives from Newry have welcomed the sentencing of Niall Lynch, Alan Stewart, Ruairi Walls and Stephen Magennis in Downpatrick Crown Court.
Scene photograph from inside the property at School Road
Detective Constable Ritchie said, “We welcome the sentencing and hope this delivers some form of closure for their victims.”
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Niall Lynch was sentenced to a 12 year extended custodial sentence, followed by 4 on licence for aggravated burglary, arson endangering life with intent, and aggravated vehicle taking, regarding an incident in the Clough area on 19 February 2018.
Stephen Magennis was earlier sentenced to 8 years 4 months – 4 years 2 months in custody, 4 years 2 months on licence for aggravated burglary, arson endangering life with intent, and aggravated vehicle taking, regarding an incident in the Clough area on 19 February 2018.
Niall Lynch was also sentenced to 12 years (to run concurrently), and Alan Stewart and Ruairi Walls were previously sentenced to 10 years and 9 years in custody respectively for a further aggravated burglary, wounding and other associated offences which occurred on the 22 February 2018.
Detective Constable Ritchie continued, “These offences were committed in a number of locations across in the South Down area between 19 February 2018 and 23 February 2018.
“The sentencing is a reflection of the tireless and persistent investigation by detectives in our Criminal Investigation Department and their expertise in unravelling complex evidence from a number of crime scenes.
“I would also like to thank the victims and witnesses who worked with us through this protracted investigation to ensure that we had all the necessary evidence to ensure a conviction.
“The aftermath of burglary is not just about belongings or items that were stolen, it can leave a deep emotional scar on those who have had their privacy torn away and the safety of their home invaded.
“I sincerely hope that the sentencing today brings some comfort and closure to the victims of these individuals.
“I want to reassure everyone in our community that we will continue in our efforts to make Northern Ireland a safer place to live and work by proactively investigating and arresting people involved in criminality.
“I hope that the sentence today will act as a deterrent to others.
“Let me be clear to those who continue to involve themselves in criminality; we will continue to actively seek out anyone who targets members of our community in this way and bring them before the courts,” Detective Constable Ritchie added.
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Jan 24 2020. Filed under Community, News.
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